Desert Rat

Energizer 4 LED Headlight

Desert Rat — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:44:49 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I was sent a 4-LED Headlight to try from Laura Farmer at Weber Shandwick. This is a hands-free headlamp powered by (3) AAA Batteries. The lamp was nicely packaged and came with batteries so I put them in and it was ready to go. This light is comfortable to wear, the switch is conveniently located and easy to use. The lens tilts, so you can “aim” it better, at the work in front of you.The cut sheet for the light indicates a 21-28 hour run time on a set of batteries. I can tell you that I have probably about 15 hours on this light so far with no hint of dimming on flickering. I have used this light looking around for stuff in my truck, I have had it out hunting and came out of my spot the last day of the season with it, in the dark. Last but not least, my wife stole my reading lamp from my computer table so when I am blogging at night I’m usually wearing the headlamp, so I can read notes and find stuff here on the desk. The light does have a red mode and a spot mode; both are very effective and bright.

Here is the info from the packaging and information sheet:

Lumens: Bright 28 lumens
Modes: 2 light modes – spot and red LED for better night vision
21-38 hours runtime depending on lighting mode
Adjustable hinge: points light where you need it
Weatherproof
Push-button switch
Powered by 3 Energizer batteries
MSRP: $12.99-$14.99

For that price, it’s definitely worth having one in your pack. In my last job, a lot of us wore headlamps doing electrical testing, often (but not always!) when power was offline, necessitating the use of lights. Headlamps were very popular as they left your hands free. This light definitely gets a Desert Rat “thumbs up”! Thanks to Energizer for the opportunity.

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Bald Bears? Now that’s freaky….

Desert Rat — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:19:05 +0000

I feel kind of bad for these bears. Seems they have lost all of their hair and no one can figure out why…

Read the full story here: Bald bears baffle vets

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Photo contest winners announced

Desert Rat — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:09:09 +0000

Photo contest winners announced

Wildlife calendars go on sale Nov. 1

It’s official! The winners of this year’s Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife calendar photo contest are:

Grand Prize Winner:

Ted Hendy, long-nosed leopard lizard

Monthly Winners:

Ann Beisser, javelina
Bob McBride, Northern cardinal
Bruce Taubert, regal horned lizard
Bryan Hughes, Western diamond-backed rattlesnake
Cathy Illg, Harris’ antelope squirrel
Shirley Ramaley, cactus wren
J.P. Bruce, redhead
Michael Burm, bighorn sheep
Pia Wyer, great horned owl
Ron Watkins, chub
Ted Hendy, wild turkey
William Wells, Eastern collared lizard

To see the winning images, pick up a 2010 Arizona Wildlife Calendar for your very own. Calendars go on sale Nov. 1 at all offices of the Arizona Game and Fish Department for just $3. Or visit www.azgfd.gov/photocontest to print an order form you can send in at your convenience. The page also offers a gorgeous slideshow of honorable mention images.

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Points To Consider When Buying New Boots

Desert Rat — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:30:35 +0000

From outdoor survival guru Pat McHugh:

Some of the points to consider when buying a new pair of boots…

Your feet are your primary mode of transportation; they support your body and provide the way in and out of most wilderness areas. An uncomfortable and ill-fitting pair of boots is like having a flat tire on a car with NO spare and you are 100 miles from nowhere. The car is basically useless and if you got bad boots on, so are you.

• SHOP AFTER DARK – your feet tend to swell more at the end of the day, just like they will be when you are on the trail.
• TAKE YOUR OWN SOCKS – take the socks or combinations of socks that you will normally wear when you are on the trail with you when buying boots. This way you get the right fit.
• DON’T GET TRAPPED BY THE NUMBERS – one company’s size 10 may be another company’s size 11. Try on different sizes. Measure your feet in the store with that metal device that measures length and width and your left and right foot.
• BOOTS DON’T GET LONGER – wiggle your toes after tightly lacing up the boot. Your toes “should not” come in contact with the front of the boot. Boots will stretch in width, but they will not grow longer.
• GET A PRO- don’t buy boots that you are going to spend a long time in the field, or in wet or wintry weather from any un-knowing clerk. Get the “pro” in the store to fit you. Tell him where and how you are going to wear the boot and ask directly what would he recommend. If you buy mail order make sure they have a return policy, just in case they do not fit.
• BREAK IN – wear all boots for a period of time before going into the outdoors. Make sure you don’t buy more boot or less boot than you need for your outdoor situations. New boots need a break-in period. Leather has to warm up to shape itself and fabrics have to have some time to bend and contour to your foot.
• ASK and ACQUIRE – know something about insulation materials, water repellency, upper materials, boot height, laces etc. Read catalogs, visit web sites, ask friends, get as much information as you can and then you will not be befuddled in the store. These are “your feet” and only YOU will be able to pick the boot that meets your comfort level and terrain needs.
• LACES – always buy an extra pair of the right length when you buy your boots and put them in your trail pack. If perchance your laces break on the trail you got them. If you need to lash, tie or bind something on the trail you can use this extra pair of laces.
• CARE – always follow and adhere to the care instructions that came with your boots. Use only high quality cleaners/conditioners. Don’t store wet or damp boots or leave them in your car trunk or truck.

SOME GENERAL BOOT NOTES:
• HOT weather – fabric/leather uppers and mesh panels
• COLD weather – all leather uppers with insulation
• REAL COLD weather – Plastic double boots or “pac” boots
• WET weather- waterproof/breathable liners – fewer seams
• ARID weather – non-waterproof fabric mesh panels, lower cut
• ROCKY terrain – above ankle, curved sole and stiff shank
• STEEP or ICY terrain – stiff soles, deep treads, high cut
• FLAT terrain – springy feel, low cut moderate stiff sole
• SNOW terrain – insulation, deep treads and high cut
• LOOSE ROCK or for climbing into tree stands – sticky rubber treads, flexible forefoot, good ankle support.

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Something good from one of those birthdays you dread

Desert Rat — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:29:00 +0000

From Pat McHugh:

Remember those birthday candles that you can’t blow out. They make a great addition to your outdoor fire starting kit. Use your “one” match to ignite “one” fire, cup in your hand and ignite your tinder. It is a lot easier to pos…ition than a match or a lighter. Wet your fingertips to extinguish it and keep it for another use. You can find these in the bakery department of Wal-Mart.

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Ben Avery Shooting Facility sets winter hours and new late arrival check-in

Desert Rat — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:13:45 +0000

Ben Avery Shooting Facility sets winter hours and new late arrival check-in

Recreational shooters are reminded that the Ben Avery Shooting Facility is operating on winter business hours as of Oct. 15.

In addition, shooters arriving near closing time are required to check-in 30 minutes before closing time to allow shooters and archers ample range time. Arriving with less than 30 minutes could leave customers in the middle of a cease-fire offering little to no opportunity to shoot.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility winter business hours are:

Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday – CLOSED
Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7:30 p.m. last check-in time)
Thursday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7:30 p.m. last check-in time)
Friday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (2:30 p.m. last check-in time)
Saturday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7:30 p.m. last check-in time)
Sunday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (2:30 p.m. last check-in time)
Winter hours are in effect until May 14, 2010.

To learn more about the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, shooting programs offered, upcoming events and location, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.

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Target archery shooters and bowhunters: Expand your skills, try 3-D targets

Desert Rat — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:00:20 +0000

Target archery shooters and bowhunters: Expand your skills, try 3-D targets

Arizona Game and Fish offers fun shoots

Step off the range and into the field and expand your archery skills in judging distances, terrain, and identifying the target zone on a variety of life-sized 3-D targets in a natural desert setting.

All ages and skill levels are welcome, so bring the entire family out to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix to enjoy some cool fresh air and the Sonoran landscape. The 20-target course will add a new dimension to your archery skills.

“The course uses life-like animal targets (elk, turkey, bear, deer, etc.) set in the desert landscape and it makes for a fun and challenging shoot,” said Mike Raum, bowhunter education coordinator for Arizona Game and Fish. “On 3-D courses the distances are not marked. Targets could be on a hill or in a valley, and the scoring area varies on each target, much different from the target range. It’s a lot of fun.”

There are three shoots available this fall. No registration is required and the cost is minimal. For participants 17 and younger the course fee is only $3. The cost is $12 (includes $7 range fee) for shooters 18 and older. The scheduled shoots are:

Saturday, Oct. 31, open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 14, open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Dec 19, open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Additionally, the course is open to all Arizona Archery in the Schools shooters as part of the 3-D Regional Shoot. For Archery in the Schools 3-D information, please contact Tanja Washburn at (623) 236-7233 or twashburn@azgfd.gov

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located on the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway. Archers can enter the range at Archery Drive, which is the first light on Carefree Highway about 1.25 miles west of I-17. For a facility brochure and site map, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.

To learn more about the outdoor programs like watchable wildlife, environmental education, fishing, shooting sports, hunting and others offered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, visit www.azgfd.gov/getoutside.

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Low OHV Decal compliance numbers unacceptable

Desert Rat — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:35:07 +0000

Sorry, but this doesn’t surprise me in the least. I know quite a few people who own OHV’s (not hunters) who just don’t seem to care about responsibility, stewardship, OR a 25-dollar sticker. I can say that every hunter I know that owns an ATV is compliant. I think the agencies responsible need to take a hard line on this issue; our forests and deserts are being torn to hell. ~DesertRat

Low OHV Decal compliance numbers unacceptable

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is reinforcing earlier efforts to get all OHV owners in the state to take part in the new OHV Decal program that went into effect Jan. 1, 2009. As the department has been promoting for the last year, all Arizona OHVs that are primarily designed by the manufacturer for use over unimproved terrain and have an unladen weight of 1800 pounds or less are required by Arizona Revised Statute to display an OHV Decal.

In the latest report from the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), only about 21 percent of all eligible OHVs and OHV owners are taking part in the new program.

“Twenty-one percent is well below the projected participation rate and is disappointing considering the value of this new program,” said Larry Voyles, director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “This user play, user pay program will provide the resources needed to promote safe and responsible OHV use, ultimately providing the tools to help ensure access.”

The benefits of the OHV Decal program include information and education efforts, facility development and maintenance, maps, signage and increased enforcement.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is currently hiring seven law enforcement officers that will focus their efforts on OHV-specific issues across the state.

“Revenue from the OHV Decal program is what is allowing the department to hire these seven new OHV officers,” said Joe Sacco, Arizona Game and Fish Department OHV program coordinator. “In just about every OHV-related public meeting held over the last four years building the legislation, law enforcement was one of the areas in which the OHV community asked for increased resources to help ensure access. The OHV Decal program was created to help provide these resources. Compliance is critical for this program to be successful and for the future of OHV use in Arizona.”

Other projects that are being funded through the OHV Decal program include the new OHV Laws and Places to Ride booklet that is an ongoing joint venture between Arizona State Parks and the Game and Fish Department. A continued grant program to help clean up and restore riding areas and new informational outreach items like riding area maps will be created in the future.

The OHV Decal costs $25 and is good for one year from the date of purchase. It can be obtained at any MVD office, MVD third-party service provider, or online at www.servicearizona.com.

For more information about the OHV Decal program or OHV use in Arizona, go online to www.azgfd.gov/ohv

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The year I got spooked

Desert Rat — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:16:18 +0000

Warning: Expect a rambling post with no beginning or end, and no real point. Just some thoughts bouncing around in my head.

I’m an enthusiastic hunter, but have never claimed to be a very successful one. That being said, along with every unfilled tag has come some lessons learned. Typically I learn a new strategy, a new spot, a new tactic or maybe a new animal behavior. This year was different. I think maybe I learned some things about myself.

For the past 2 years I hunted Coues at my friend John’s near Sierra Vista. Didn’t fill a tag either trip but had a blast and enjoyed the trip. This year, I couldn’t get away and had to stick with Units close to home. My wife has some fairly severe health issues and I am her primary caregiver. Our “back up” caregiver moved away, so with no help, I needed to be home every night. I put in for 33 and 24B, and drew the early tag for 24B. A friend on the Arizona Hunting Today Forums knew the Unit well and had offered to take me under his wing. I was excited just to be getting out, and keen on seeing a new unit. Well, along the way “Life happened”. Work and health issues and other stuff chewed up all of my scouting weekends. My friend (guide) caught the swine flu and couldn’t go with me. I had taken time off though and was determined to head out. I had received lots of e-scouting tips from members at the AHT Forums, along with the CouesWhitetail.com Message Board and also the Arizona Sportmen’s Journal Message Board. So, I had kind of a plan and headed out on Friday, the first day of the season. I headed up Route 88 towards Apache Lake and was at my planned glassing spot at a respectable hour. Not at first light, but shortly after. I had never taken the road from Canyon Lake to Apache Lake before, and was surprised at the narrowness in a couple of spots. That road can be tricky! At one point I met a vehicle and while backing up I caught my rear bumper and crunched it pretty good. That rattled me a bit.

Around 10 I headed around towards Roosevelt and then hit some other places I had been told about. Of course at this time of the day, the spots had a lot of hunters. I hit 188 southbound towards Globe, and then promptly got pulled over for speeding. Now understand, I never speed. The Officer was kind enough to give me a warning and I went on my way. That’s the first time I have been pulled over since moving to Arizona 13 years ago. I pulled into another spot just outside of Superior just as two guys were pulling their bucks into a tree, so they could skin them. I poked around a bit in that area, which was fairly heavy with traffic as well. Came out near my last intended stop of the day, and it had a lot of hunter activity as well. At that point I headed home, figuring to do family stuff on the weekend, and hitting it hard the following week.

Although I didn’t say it, I was feeling a bit spooked. My lack of pre-season preparation, my friend getting sick, my crunched bumper, my speeding incident, my lack of familiarity with the unit – I was really feeling off. Add that, for some reason, I was feeling really funky about some of the roads I would have to drive. Now, they hadn’t bothered me before, and I’m not normally a nervous person, but I was having real reservations all of a sudden. “What if I meet someone on those roads?” “What if I break down?” “What if I have a heart attack?” It was a really strange sensation for me and ultimately led to my Hunting Alone post. Then came the “coup de grace” – I hadn’t mentioned any of this to my wife, who is always very supportive of my hunting, alone or otherwise. Out of the blue over the weekend, she said she was having a real issue with me heading out alone. “Wow”, I said. “have you always worried like that?”. My wife replied “No, never – I just have a real bad feeling about it this time.” That of course, really got me thinking.

So Monday my friend was still sick, and I decided to stay home. There was lots to do around the house, and besides – my wife and I never get to spend much time together. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I was content to do other stuff. By Thursday though, I had the itch again, and was really feeling mad at myself for being such a girly-man. I had some errands to run, but was determined to get out that afternoon. To help matters, another friend from the AHT Message Board was going to try and get out with me. Well, my errands ran over and I missed my friend but I headed out anyway. The past 2 days I had been reading success stories on message boards and envisioning myself seeing bucks on the hillside in the waning light.

Thursday was the ast day of the season and indeed I was on a hillside in 24B, looking for a Coues as my season drew to a close. It got real cool as the sun went down behind the hill I was on. There was a breeze, but it was real still in those final minutes, except for the sounds of a covey of quail nearby. I really thought I would see a deer traversing the hillside across from me, but I didn’t. That’s OK though – I finished the season where I wanted to be. The middle was missing, but I had chased my demons away. I even met a couple of vehicles on the “scary” winding mountain trail on the way out. We managed to squeeze by each other without incident.

I don’t know what happened last week. I think maybe the world just “got inside my head”. I learned some things though. I need to plan my hunts better. I need to plan my tag selections better. Maybe I need to consider only putting in with other friends. I need to quit being a baby. I need to acknowledge my situation at home and quit trying to make a silk purse from a sow’s ear. With some planning and preparation, I can still have enjoyable outings. I need to quit taking this stuff so seriously and make the goal to enjoy myself.

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Handy Firestarter!

Desert Rat — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:21:39 +0000

We all know you need dry tinder to start a fire… here is one you may not have thought of, DRYER LINT. The micro small fibers makes a great fire ignition source. You can get a good supply stuffed into a small poly bag. If you add a few strike-any…where matches you have a ready-made tinder/fire starting kit, that is easy to put in a pocket or your pack.

~compliments of Pat McHugh